Hanukkah begins December 25th: What is Hanukkah?

[Anonymous]

It is a rare occurrence for the start of Hanukkah and Christmas to happen on the same day as it does this year in 2024. Hanukkah is a Jewish festival observed for eight days and nights. This year it will occur from December 25th to January 2. Hanukkah reaffirms the ideals of Judaism and commemorates in particular the rededication of the Second Temple of Jerusalem. The name "Hanukkah" derives from the Hebrew verb "חנך‎", meaning "to dedicate". In modern Hebrew, it can also be called, "Festival of Lights."

The festival is observed by the lighting of candles on a candelabrum with nine branches, commonly called a menorah or hanukkiah. One branch is typically placed above or below the others and its candle is used to light the other eight candles. This unique candle is called the shammash or the "attendant". Each night, one additional candle is then lit by the shammash until all eight candles are lit together on the final night of the festival. In addition to menorah lightings, giving to charity and social works are also part of the celebration for many, reflecting the belief that the Jewish people are called by God to help make the world better for all.

In commemoration of the legendary cruse (pot) of oil, it is traditional to eat foods that have been fried in oil. The most popular are potato pancakes, or latkes, and the Israeli favorite, jelly donuts, or sufganiyot. There is no pork or shellfish allowed, and you will not see a mix of meat and dairy in the same meal, so if a chicken is on the table, you won't find butter or cheese.

Some activities done during Hanukkah include reading scripture daily, reciting Psalms, and singing a special hymn, playing dreidel and Hanukkah Dominoes, and singing traditional songs. In Europe, it was customary to give small amounts of money as well as nuts and raisins to children at this time. Hanukkah has now evolved into the central gift-giving holiday in the Jewish calendar in the Western world.

[WhiteSteve]

I think this is only the fourth time since 1900 that Christmas coincides with the first night of Hanukkah. My younger cousins are both Jewish, so I’m excited to finally jointly celebrate our holidays. It feels kind of one-sided, they always do Christmas but the gentiles in the family aren’t involved in their Hanukkah festivities. It’s usually not concurrent, plus Hanukkah feels more religious than commercialized Christmas to me, so I’d feel a bit invasive. But I asked them to bring something (hoping for sufganiyah🤞🤞), and I got them Hanukkah-specific cards instead of “Happy Holidays”, so this should be a fun and inclusive event👍

[Massageman]

Like the houska (sweet, egg braid bread in the center). Of course, that is the Polish/Bohemian name for the bread with light raisins, slivered almonds and sometimes other fruit bits.

[strateguy632]

First I am jealous they did not nitpick you for question mark, like they deleted my mytake for having '?' That said, you hid 'the temple ' they 'dedicated ' had blood rituals like pagans , but an old book has a contradiction, and one version leviticus wrote that, so people want that?

Hanukka really started as flavlus recorded a 'religious jew killed a jew who offered to idols.' then to avoid punishment for murder, he 'inspired a religious rebellion ' to assemble rebels for 'religion' at the time that he needed to avoid punishment, but not earlier at the day of anti religious decrees. So despite celebrating hanuka as a kid I oppose it now.

See jeremiah 7:21 and exodus 20:13.

[DrPepper12]

Gifts, family, latkes, bagels, lox for lunch n Chinese food 🥢🥡🥣 for dinner then movies. It's Moses little known 11th commandment

[beefcakebradybatson]

The Jewish Festival Of Lights, which like Christmas, falls on Dec.25 for just the fifth time since 1911.

[shortster]

I wish more people observed Jewish food laws. Maybe I wouldn't keep getting a cheeseburger when I order a hamburger.

[strateguy632]

Huh? Start that change with YOURSELF,. YOU u be the change that you want to see in the world.

[shortster]

There is a rule against serving dairy in the same dish as beef.

[strateguy632]

If so you start obeying but don't expect others obeyed or banned.

[IknowthatIdontKnow09]

Nice

[Jmmmfi4]

Cool